The standout freshman made the announcement publicly on Wednesday during an appearance on “The Paul Finebaum Show,” confirming what had been widely expected given his rising draft stock and previous hints regarding his future.
As anticipated by many in the college basketball world, the standout star has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, bringing an end to his brief yet impactful stint with the Oklahoma Sooners
Shortly after his televised announcement, he took to Instagram to post a heartfelt message of appreciation, thanking the University of Oklahoma community and making his farewell to Sooner Nation official.
“This year has been an incredible journey, and I am grateful for all the love and support I have received from the OU fan base,” Fears wrote. “I want to express my gratitude to Coach Porter Moser and the entire coaching staff, who believed in me and allowed me to showcase my abilities at the University of Oklahoma.”
In the post, Jeremiah Fears also extended thanks to his teammates and family, acknowledging their support throughout his college career. He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to taking the next step and entering the NBA Draft.
At just 18 years old, Fears is considered one of the most promising prospects in the 2025 class. Ranked No. 7 overall by ESPN, he’s projected to be a top-15 pick in most mock drafts. His youth is particularly noteworthy—Fears should technically still be in high school. He reclassified from the class of 2026 to 2025 last summer in order to join the Sooners earlier than originally planned, making him one of the youngest players available in this year’s draft. He will turn 19 shortly before the start of the NBA regular season in October.
Despite being just a freshman, Fears quickly established himself as Oklahoma’s offensive leader, averaging 17.1 points per game and helping the team return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2021. In addition to his scoring, he contributed 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game, while limiting turnovers to 3.4 per game, impressive numbers for a young guard shouldering primary ball-handling duties. His all-around performance earned him a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team.
Fears wrapped up his college career with a strong showing in the NCAA Tournament, posting 20 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals against the UConn Huskies in a first-round loss. Even in defeat, he demonstrated the poise and playmaking that make him an appealing prospect at the next level.
Leading up to the NBA Draft on June 25, Fears will be training in New York City under the guidance of his agent, former NBA player Mike Miller. He is also expected to participate in the NBA Draft Combine, scheduled for May 11–18 in Chicago, where scouts and executives will further evaluate his readiness for the professional ranks.
With his combination of youth, skill, and potential, Jeremiah Fears is poised to make a significant impact in the NBA—and his journey is only just beginning.
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